Sounds reckless to me
Michelin Defender LTX 285/60 R18 on 2021 HE
- Thread starter goodnightnyc
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I got a great deal on them and they were exactly the size I wanted.
Size of tire?Having 5 new Michelin defender tires put on today. Had to go out and show them how to drop the spare
RET2
SILVER Star
Well that's certainly confidence building, hopefully they can find the air inlet.Having 5 new Michelin defender tires put on today. Had to go out and show them how to drop the spare
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- #68
So far have driven about 1,500 miles on the Defenders. A mix of highway, city driving, rain and dry conditions. Also did an off-road training course in the Catskills and the tires performed very well. I'd rate the road noise as very quiet. Overall couldn't be happier with them.
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Michelins are 10x better in snow than the stock Dunlops are. They're really a fantastic tire if you're not going to go with ATs.
Another vote here for the Defenders. I’ve got the same size on my LX 570 and other sizes on the 96 LC and 2003 LC.
And in the past were LTX M/X 2 and before that were LTX M/S. I’ve been very happy with Michelins, ever since getting our first LC (for the wife).
And in the past were LTX M/X 2 and before that were LTX M/S. I’ve been very happy with Michelins, ever since getting our first LC (for the wife).
And you never found the road noise objectionable as they aged, right?
Thanks for your update. And what a beautiful truck/wagon!
I keep drooling over those wheels.
Correct, I‘ve never noticed it but that’s just me.
Our only vehicle that doesn’t have Michelins is my wife‘s GX. It was a CPO and came with new tires. Once they need replacement I’ll likely get Michelins. Who knows, maybe I can learn to change
Good thread - lots of good info here. I just replaced a tire due to a flat, but went straight to the Michelin Latitude HP Tour's that were already on my new-to-me 2018 LC. I am a huge Michelin fan, across all vehicle sizes and types, but I didn't consider the Defender, as I already had the Latitudes on board. Did I make a mistake? Can anyone comment on the pros and cons of the Defenders vs. the Latitudes?
Background: LC use is probably mostly around town and highway, with some summer oversand. No rock crawling, mudding or anything extreme. Once in a blue moon towing a probably overloaded 5x10' Wells Cargo enclosed motorcycle trailer. Plan is to run winter tires (TBD) on the stock rims starting this November, and to use TRD BBS forged rims for summer tires. LC currently has 3 worn (6/32" - 7/32") Latitude HP Tour in stock 285/60 size, an old (perhaps original?) Dunlop with full 10/32" tread (was the spare), and a brand new Latitude from Tire Rack that replaced the flat. Currently running the two mismatched 10/32" tires on the rear axle, and the worn Latitudes on the front axle and as the spare. I just the other day bought another new Latitude off eBay, and was going to order 2 more from Tire Rack to get 4x new, but I could also switch to the Defender if that's the smarter play.
Background: LC use is probably mostly around town and highway, with some summer oversand. No rock crawling, mudding or anything extreme. Once in a blue moon towing a probably overloaded 5x10' Wells Cargo enclosed motorcycle trailer. Plan is to run winter tires (TBD) on the stock rims starting this November, and to use TRD BBS forged rims for summer tires. LC currently has 3 worn (6/32" - 7/32") Latitude HP Tour in stock 285/60 size, an old (perhaps original?) Dunlop with full 10/32" tread (was the spare), and a brand new Latitude from Tire Rack that replaced the flat. Currently running the two mismatched 10/32" tires on the rear axle, and the worn Latitudes on the front axle and as the spare. I just the other day bought another new Latitude off eBay, and was going to order 2 more from Tire Rack to get 4x new, but I could also switch to the Defender if that's the smarter play.
From my “readings”, Latitude is fine…it is a bit more highway-sporty type tires. Should be quiet…probably more so than Defender
Defender is more highway tire but more modern compound that is meant for heavier loads (tougher compound) and lasts longer than Lattitude.
You won’t go wrong with either for your needs. I drive like grandma…so, sporty tires on LC is a waste in my hands. I like the apparent toughness of Defender (esp in XL rating, which is what stock LC size is). 285/60/18 XL Defender is almost a perfect tire (in my eyes)…”extra“ tough due to XL, can carry heavy loads (relative to other highway tires), made by Michelin (bonus point), super ridiculously lightweight (39 lbs each!), and quiet (even tho this part is debatable to some).
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- #76
Pretty much sums up why I chose the Defender. It’s perfect for my use case. Majority highway/city driving with rain/snow. And occasional moderate off-road trails.
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- #77
Thanks! I do love the bronze wheels. Really gives the truck a unique look.Thanks for your update. And what a beautiful truck/wagon!
I keep drooling over those wheels.
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- #79
In my opinion a great thing about the LC and the Defenders is the versatility they provide. It was a 250 mile round trip to the off-road park in the Catskills. The truck was incredibly smooth and quiet on the highway, then performed exceptionally well on the trails. I can’t think of many vehicles that could do that.
I actually just replaced a set of Latitudes with Defender LTX M/S on my stock 13' LX570 rims. The Latitudes to me just didn't ride as nice as the Defender LTX M/S, but they perhaps seemed slightly quieter from the short time I had them on. I should note, both are very quiet in the LX, but I feel the Defender handles and feels better in comparing the two. IMO the Defender LTX M/S is just a better tire in about every way. I purchased them to commute with in heavy rain and moderate snow and have little doubt they will get me where I'm going every time. While I don't get into rock crawling or are anything overly harsh like that, I have complete confidence that short of heavy off-roading or a massive blizzard the Defender LTX M/S - especially when used on a 200 Series - will get you to where you need go comfortably and without worry.
